The Franco-German fortnight of Occitanie launched in Millau to “bring European construction to life”

Primary school children from the German school in Toulouse sang about friendship and hope for the future. Midi Libre – F.M

Marie-France Marchand-Baylet, president of Fondation Groupe Dépêche, is one of the key figures of this sixth Franco-German fortnight in Occitanie Midi Libre – F.M

Stephan Steinlein, ambassadeur d’Allemagne en France, a fait vu cet événement comme “un pont entre nos deux pays”. Midi Libre – F.M

Une sixième édition prévue du 21 mars jusqu’au 4 avril qui mêle éducation, jeunesse et citoyenneté à travers plusieurs dizaines de rendez-vous grand public dans toute la région.

What better prelude than that of a children's choir? In this case that of primary school pupils from the German school of Toulouse who, this Thursday evening in the auditorium of the Maison de MA region in Millau, launched the sixth Franco-German fortnight in Occitanie.  An event which literally irrigates the entire territory regional with several general public meetings revolving around five themes: citizenship, education, youth, culture and economy.

"This fortnight is an example, unique in Europe, of decentralized cooperation between a region and a state supported by civil society. With the common ambition of bringing Franco-French friendship to life German and European construction" summarized Marie-France Marchand-Baylet, president of the Groupe Dépêche Foundation, one of the main linchpins of the’ event.

Franco-German friendship

For her part, Emmanuelle Gazel, mayor of Millau, expressed her hope that the initiative could contribute to "building a future of peace and prosperity and solidarity for all. Franco-German friendship is an example of what Europe can accomplish in a spirit of fraternity and solidarity."

Lancement, ce jeudi soir à @villedemillau , de la sixième Quinzaine franco-allemande d’Occitanie avec, notamment, le chœur de l’école internationale allemande de Toulouse. @fondationgrdep @Occitanie @ClareLouHart @Midilibre pic.twitter.com/XlsNqGfTgh

— Mayet Frédéric (@MayetFrdric) March 21, 2024

In conclusion, Stephan Steinlein, German ambassador to France, referred to the writer Günter Grass for whom "the Huguenots represent the best traditions of Prussia: tolerance, openness to novelty, education without forgetting the breathtaking beauty of the Cévennes. This fortnight offers a platform for exchanges, dialogue and joint projects to build bridges between our two countries which, like the magnificent Millau Viaduct, require constant care."